The Emerson Police Department is pondering installing new surveillance cameras at major intersections throughout the borough, in parks, and at the municipal building.

"Whether we do it this year or we do it sometime in the future, it is certainly something that we need to seriously consider," said Emerson Police Chief Donald Rossi at the Tuesday, Feb. 4 mayor and council meeting. Rossi attended the meeting to ask borough officials to allot funding for police department capital projects as the council prepares its 2014 budget.

"It is certainly an advantage to law enforcement to have these cameras in place," said Rossi, recommending cameras be placed at the intersection of Kinderkamack Road and Linwood Avenue, and Kinderkamack Road and Seneca Avenue.

The installation of cameras in public parks throughout the borough was also discussed. Police hope additional surveillance would curb instances of vandalism on public property. "We are trying to protect the integrity of borough property," he said.

Rossi also suggested that new cameras be installed at Emerson Police Headquarters, mentioning that the current system will only allow for eight cameras.

"The cameras that we have, both inside and outside, are inadequate," said Rossi. "We have people walking in and out of this building at all times of the day and night. That is unsafe."